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SAN DIEGO ROUBADOUR Alternative country, Americana, roots, Tfolk, gospel, and news

February 2003 Vol. 2, No. 5

what’s inside

Welcome Mat………3 Dennis Mail Box Mission Statement Contributors

Full Circle..…………4 Kenny Wertz Caplinger Lou Curtiss

Front Porch…………6 Mike Tater, Jr. Blind Boys of Alabama Irish Dance Chris Thile/

Parlor Showcase...…8 Dennis Caplinger

Highway’s Song... …10 Jimmy “Diesel” White The NAMM Show

Ramblin’...…………11 José Sinatra Paul Abbott

Of Note.……………12 The Bandits Darlin’ and Rose Hatfield Rain A Good-Natured Riot Singing in the Saddle In the Country of Country A Hot Bed of Musicians

‘Round About ...... …13 Local Yokels February Music Calendar

The Local Seen……15 Photo Page The The Lou Curtiss Sound Library Presents Join us for a SD Troubadour Showcase Roots Music Video Showcase Rare • • • Cajun & Zydeco • Latin • Other • Roots • Rare Music on Film at DIZZY’S The Lou Curtiss Sound Library Thursday, February 13, 7:30pm LeStats Coffee house at Folk Arts Rare Records 3343 Adams Avenue 3611 Adams Avenue third friday monthly San Diego, CA 92116-2213 7-10 p.m. Phone: 619/282-7833 FEATURING • Robin Henkel • Seve White Robin Henkel • The 7th Day Buskers • Kitchenfire • Fowl Play

Steve White SPECIAL GUESTS • José Sinatra • The Truckee Brothers • Derek Duplessie

7th Day Buskers • Phil Harmonic

Dizzy’s 344 7th Avenue Kitchenfire (between J and K Streets) Downtown, San Diego $8 cover

For more information:

Fowl Play DizzysSanDiego.com

Alternative country, Americana, roots, folk, gospel, and bluegrass music news San Diego Troubadour • February 2003

welcomewelcome matmat

SAN DIEGO MAILBOX ROUBADOUR Alternative country, Americana, roots, Tfolk, gospel, and bluegrass music news Dear Troubadour, Feel free to give me a call, What a delight it was to and I’d be happy to set up pick up the Troubadour this an interview. After all, it’s my last month and read your band! MISSION CONTRIBUTORS centerpiece story on San Cheers, To promote, encourage, and Diego’s burgeoning Celtic PUBLISHERS Patric Petrie, Assistant Editor provide an alternative voice for music scene followed by an the great local music that is Lyle Duplessie San Diego Business Journal equally impressive story on with Prickly Pair and “Curly” generally overlooked by the Thom Vollenweider Gregory Page and Tom Dear Patric, Jim Musgrave. Tickets are mass media; namely the genres Brosseau. I was particularly Thanks for the nice letter! $10 at the door. For more of folk, country, roots, EDITOR Americana, gospel, and blue- taken with the wide range of We really felt bad about leav- info call John and BJ Maus at grass. To entertain, educate, and Ellen Duplessie musical styles covered in your ing out your band, Skelpin’, 760-723-563 or bring together players, writers, CD review section. How right but unfortunately we didn’t [email protected] and lovers of these forms; to GRAPHIC DESIGN you are to point out the learn about your band until The San Diego North explore their foundations; and to Liz Abbott impressive musical talent we just after we had gone to County Bluegrass and Folk expand the audience for these have unnoticed on our very print. Since that time, we’ve Club meets on the first types of music. PHOTOGRAPHY doorstep. As the former list- heard of you often. Now that Tuesday of each month at 7 To receive advertising rates and Mildred Moreno ings editor for the Union- we’ve checked out the local p.m. at Round Table Pizza at information, call 619/298-8488 or Tribune’s Night&Day tab, as Celtic music scene, it’s like we the corner of Washington e-mail [email protected]. well as currently being the found buried treasure… so and Ash in Escondido. DISTRIBUTION assistant editor of the San much good music that we Admission is free but the San Diego Troubadour Kent Johnson Diego Business Journal, I have didn’t even know that much P.O. Box 164 Pizza isn’t. This is great not La Jolla, CA 92038 long believed that San Diego about! only for the amateur E-mail: [email protected]. ADVERTISING is bursting with too many Thanks again and we’ll be in folk/bluegrass musician E Ellen Duplessie untold stories about truly touch. (there’s a lot of jamming out SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR, the Kent Johnson wonderful musicians. in the parking lot) but also if The Editor local source for alternative However, curiously I you just want to come and country, Americana, roots, folk, WRITERS noticed there was no men- Dear Troubadour, hear some superb traditional gospel, and bluegrass music Paul Abbott tion of nationally renowned When I read the letter from music. On February 4th the news, is published monthly and Pat Chin Irish band Skelpin’ in your Jens Morrison in your January Andy Rau Band will be there. is free of charge. Letters to the Lou Curtiss roundup. Unlike Kitchenfire 2003 issue, which asked, On March 4th The Dowden editor must be signed and may or Celticana, fine bands that “Aren’t there any folk places Sisters will show up and on Ellen Duplessie be edited for content. It is not, they are, Skelpin’ is the only in North County?” I couldn’t April 1st the California Lyle Duplessie however, guaranteed that they area Irish band with a steady believe that Jens didn’t know Bluegrass Band will be Phil Harmonic will appear. gig in the Gaslamp, going on about the Fallbrook coming. John Hyatt two years, and that Americana Music Series and All opinions expressed in SAN Jack C. Holt José Sinatra has appeared, not once, the San Diego North County DIEGO TROUBADOUR, unless “Character Counts” Jimmy “Diesel” White twice or even three times, Bluegrass and Folk Club. otherwise stated, are solely the Gus Williker but actually four times with opinion of the writer and do not The Fallbrook Americana Hello, Robert Woerheide the Chieftains at 4th & B and Series features traditional and I really enjoy your paper. represent the opinions of the Humphreys by the Bay. roots music once a month at There’s a lot of acoustic staff or management. All rights Skelpin’ has performed at the the Hilltop Center at 331 E. music going on out there reserved. Adams Avenue Street Fair, on Elder in Fallbrook. Just last that people just don’t seem ©2003 San Diego Troubadour. Cover photography by Thom Vollenweider KPBS, NBC, and at events January 11th, we had to hear about. Keep up the ranging from Ireland to Christopher Shaw and Artie good work. Mexico. Traum in and it was great! Skooter In addition, Skelpin’ is This February 22nd at WRITE TO US! scheduled to perform for the 7:30pm is Bluegrass Night We’d love to hear from you! San Diego Folk Heritage in and we’ll have Bill Knopf, Send your comments, feedback, February, and the band’s new Clearly Bluegrass and Tom or suggestions to: CD Whiskey Before Breakfast is Corbett. March 8th is Celtic [email protected] scheduled for release in the music with Golden Bough. or to San Diego Troubadour, next two weeks. April 12 is Western music P.O. Box 164, La Jolla, CA 92038-0164. Phil Harmonic Sez: XTREME COUNTRY RADIO SHOW hosted by Mike Vlack “Everybody can be great … because anybody can serve. Americana, alternative country, and classics You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. Sunday evenings, 7-10pm You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” Stay tuned for the Wayne Rice Bluegrass Special at 10pm — Martin Luther King, Jr. KSON 97.3-FM

3 February 2003 • San Diego Troubadour fullfull circlecircle

Down the Road with Kenny Wertz by Lyle Duplessie Gary Carr and John Bill (brother Blvd., the White Whale and the tried to make amends by urging of actor Tony Bill) to form a folk Hungry Horse Saloon in Bird Hillman to take them along for n previous issues of the San trio, the Milestones. The boys Rock, and The Heritage in an upcoming Burrito tour. The Diego Troubadour, much has gravitated to Frank Emig’s furni- Mission Beach. Old-time locals splendid work of this Gazette- Ibeen written about the great ture store/vintage shop in might recall Wertz and friends Burrito amalgam can be heard in grand-daddy of all local blue- North Park, where they found playing there. the live album Last of the Red grass bands, the Scottsville themselves in comfortable com- Wertz related an interesting Hot Burritos. Squirrel Barkers. The group’s pany with Ed Douglas, Larry story from this period when Glen Near the tour’s end Hillman key players — and Murray, and Yuris Zeltins. When Frey and J.D. Souther, a.k.a. was summoned by Ed Douglas — have provided Douglas, Murray, and Zeltins Longbranch Pennywhistle, had to do some recording work in much information about this piv- moved on to open The Blue played the Candy Company. Florida. Upon his return he otal San Diego band and the cir- Guitar in the Midway district, the Having no place to go after the announced that he was folding cumstances surrounding its for- Milestones followed. gig, the boys holed up at Wertz’s the Burritos and joining mation (see December 2001, Santee residence for a week. As Manassas. This left Wertz in the August 2002, and September- Wertz tells it, they spent most of awkward position of having no October 2002 issues of the San their waking hours writing songs gig. With hat in hand, he asked Diego Troubadour). Recently and playing music. Some of the Gazette to take him back, with the help of Ed Douglas, these songs were heard on the and they did. Kenny Wertz, the Squirrel Barker first Eagles album. From that point until 1977, picker, was located. He In 1971, Wertz moved to Wertz stayed busy with the freely shared his recollections Sherman Oaks. He got a call Gazette, playing at venues rang- about the band as well as his from , who he had ing from Disneyland and col- other contributions to bluegrass, met at the Ash Grove. Bush was leges to honky tonks and clubs. Kenny Wertz both on a local and national assembling a bluegrass band The group’s manager, Eddie skin patches used in medical level. and needed a high-harmony Tickner, even put together a procedures. Kenny Wertz was born in singer. Since had European tour for three consec- Pseudo Burritos, top l to r: Kenny Wertz and his lovely wife, Virginia, but his family moved to Wertz, , Allen Munde, been tagged to play banjo, Wertz utive winters between 1972 and Annette, are residents of San Diego in 1950 when his Eric Dalton; middle: ; was relegated to guitar. Byron 1975, with a line up Wertz refers Fallbrook. Besides being a regu- father, a career navy man, was bottom: Sneaky Pete, Roger Bush Berline, ’s premier to as the “pseudo Burritos.” That lar at monthly bluegrass gather- stationed here. Wertz remem- player of the era, was also line up was comprised of ings held locally, they both enjoy bers being bit by the music bug Along about that time Wertz in the line up. The group would Gazette members as well as for- taking their motor home to blue- by the time he was in fourth and Carr attended a party in Del become Country Gazette. mer Burritos Sneaky Pete and grass hoe downs throughout grade. He began singing in the Mar. There they met a Rick Roberts; Michael Clarke Southern California. In addition, church choir and learning to player a couple of years their was replaced by Eric Halton on Wertz is finally back playing his play the clarinet. By 1960 and a junior. This young picker was drums. beloved banjo in his new blue- senior at Point Loma High Chris Hillman. With Hillman in Between 1972 and 1977 grass combo, Down the Road. School, he had abandoned the tow, they formed a bluegrass Wertz recorded three albums clarinet and taught himself how group, calling themselves the with the Gazette, the most to play guitar. Shady Canyon Boys. One of the notable being A Traitor in our gigs that Wertz remembers play- Midst. Since he didn’t like living ing with this combo was at the in Los Angeles, he came back to Sign of the Sun bookstore on San Diego and moved into an College Avenue. Of the Shady Country Gazette l to r: Roland apartment in Old town. When Canyon Boys, Wertz recalls that White, Roger Bush, Allen Munde, summoned to L.A. to record, he the guys all had an impressive Kenny Wertz would ride his bicycle to background knowledge of music Lindbergh Field and catch a PSA and artists, plus extensive Despite the talent of the round-trip flight for $8! record collections. While Wertz group, work didn’t come easily. In 1977, with the birth of his and Carr sang, Hillman con- Except for Berline, who had daughter, Wertz’s tenure with tributed with clever musical plenty of studio work to do, all Country Gazette ended. In fact, ideas. the other members had to take he made a commitment to drop It was Wertz who intro- daytime jobs. Wertz and Bush out of bands entirely until his duced Hillman to the scene at worked at installing heating and daughter turned 20. From that The Blue Guitar and before long air conditioning ducts while time to the present Wertz has Wertz, Carr, and Hillman were Pedersen pumped gas. When worked as a mechanical design Scottsville Squirrel Barkers, l to r: playing with Douglas and the band finally got some gigs engineer and currently designs Chris Hillman, Kenny Wertz, Larry Murray. Thus, the Scottsville that would take them away from and constructs machines that Murray, Gary Carr, Ed Douglas Squirrel Barkers were born, home, Pedersen bowed out due assemble electronic/mechanical establishing a musical legacy to new family responsibilities. In With a penchant for histori- that lingers to this day. came to take over cal story songs, he easily took to In 1963 Uncle Sam came a- banjo chores. the Kingston Trio. Before long, callin’. Rather than getting draft- At about the same time however, he started to explore ed into the army, Wertz joined had bailed out of the more adventurous music of the Air Force. Not much in the the Burritos, Hillman, in desper- the New Lost city Ramblers, Flatt way of music happened during ate need of a guitar, banjo, and and Scruggs, Don Reno, and his stint in the service, but in vocalist to fill the void, targeted Ralph Stanley. Upon his intro- 1967 he was a free man again. Wertz, his old Squirrel Barker duction to bluegrass he became Upon his discharge, Wertz buddy. Torn between his com- completely infatuated with the moved back to San Diego and mitment to Country Gazette and driving sound of the banjo. began playing with friends Bill loyalty to an old friend, Wertz Unable to find a teacher, he Wylie, Tommy Pressley, Ray chose the latter and became a taught himself how to play the Bierl, and Kenny Bloom. Soon bona fide Burrito Brother. instrument. Wertz was playing with his bud- Though in bad stead with mem- With in vogue in dies at such local venues as the bers of the Gazette, resulting 1960-61, Wertz teamed up with Candy Company on El Cajon from the decision he made, he Down the Road, l to r: Roger Gagos, Kit Birkett, Becky Green, Kenny Wertz

4 San Diego Troubadour • February 2003 fullfull circlecircle

Recordially, Lou Curtiss A Hearts and Flowers Larry Murray- Bernie Leadon Reappearance

alk about the coun- to Tim Hardin’s “Reason to the Flying Burrito Brothers Ttry-rock movement Believe” and Donovan’s before being certified as a with just about any- “Try for the Sun,” all with country-rock legend by one interested in that stuff three-part harmonies and being a founding member and you’re going to hear crazy instrumental combina- of the Eagles. that single tions (pizzicato autoharp, Larry Murray went on to handedly pioneered the sitar, cello, bowed bass, and a couple of solo efforts, genre either with ’ dobro). The group played some producing (including Lou Curtiss Sweetheart of the Rodeo or gigs around Southern an exquisite Barnaby LP by maybe with the California (at times featur- Mary McCaslin that some- International Submarine ing a young Karen one should get wise and An Added Note Band’s Safe at Home, which Carpenter on drums), open- reissue) and some work as a I first met Larry Murray predated his joining the ing for Buffalo Springfield, country artist in Australia. in 1963 or so out at San Byrds by a few weeks. Blue Cheer, the Doors, Hearts and Flowers were Diego State where he and I The fact is that before Canned Heat, and Arlo soon forgotten in spite of were founding members of Gram made the Southern Guthrie, but they never the influence they had on the Campus Organized California scene, others seemed to make it out of the whole country-rock Folksingers and Folksong were delving into their own those clubs. genre. Society. I guess I met Bernie country and bluegrass roots By early 1968 Rick a short time after that. and experimenting — Cunha had left the group Larry, along with Ed among them former San and was replaced by anoth- Douglas, started The Blue Diego bluegrassers Larry er San Diego bluegrasser Guitar shop out on Midway Murray (who (and some- Drive in San Diego and, with Chris Hillman, Kenny was, with times Squirrel Bernie Leadon (far right) replaces Chris Hillman, The album Barker) Bernie Wertz, and Gary Carr, “ became full-time (and oth- Rick Cunha in second Hearts and one of the Leadon, and Flowers line-up Scottsville defined the word the trio’s sec- ers part-time) Scottsville Squirrel Barkers (Bernie was Squirrel eclectic, with stuff ond album, It was right at the peak Barkers blue- Of Horses, one of the part-timers). This of the Squirrel Barkers local grass band) from pure country Kids, and year an effort is being made popularity that Larry, and Bernie Forgotten to reunite the original Bernie, Jerry Houck, and I Leadon. Larry to Tim Hardin, Women, saw Squirrel Barkers either for went up to the UCLA Folk met up with them digging the 30th Annual Adams Festival together in 1965. It two expatriate all with three-part even deeper Avenue Roots Festival in was a fabulous line-up, Hearts and Flowers first line-up April or the Adams Avenue Hawaiians — into tradition- l to r: Dave Dawson, Larry including the harmonies and Street Fair in September. Rick Cunha al country Murray, Rick Cunha Family, Reverend Gary and Dave crazy instrumental music with Davis, A.L. Lloyd, the New Dawson — on Merle Now this year, a two-CD Lost City Ramblers, Carl T. the L.A. club combinations . . . Kilgore’s retrospective features the Sprague, the Stoneman circuit. With ” “Two Little group’s two albums in their Family, Almeda Riddle, them he found Boys” and Bill entirety, plus 13 bonus Elizabeth Cotton, and Bukka a unique vocal blend of Monroe’s “Molly and tracks of unreleased stuff, White. That festival put the mountain music, bluegrass, Tenbrookes,” which they including a cover of Fred bug in me to start doing and honky tonk country rewrote a bit and called Neil’s “Everybody’s Talking” my own festivals, which I that soon found a home at “The Legend of Old that clearly served as the started doing in 1967. It Capitol records with the Tenbrookes.” There was also source for Nilsson’s later hit took Larry Murray and release of Now Is the Time a version of Leadbelly’s (minus the strange sitar Bernie Leadon in other for Hearts and Flowers. The “When I was a Cowboy.” solo). There are also covers directions (see above). album defined the word Also on this second album of Gordon Lightfoot and Recordially, eclectic, with pure country the group experimented Phil Ochs along with some stuff like Merle Haggard’s with a sort of Sergeant fine Larry Murray originals. Lou Curtiss “I’m a Lonesome Fugitive” Pepperesque Beatles’ If you’re looking to hear Bernie Leadon orchestration. The results an important part of the were nothing short of fabu- L.A. country-rock scene that lous with a masterful weave has heretofore been left of diverse influences. Yet out, pick up these CDs. they continued to receive You’ll be in for a treat and almost no commercial also help rewrite some of attention. By mid-1968 they those rock ‘n’ roll encyclo- had gone their separate pedias. [The Complete Hearts ways. Leadon went on to and Flowers: Collector’s spend time with Dillard and Choice Music #72435- Clark, , and 43252-2-9]

5 February 2003 • San Diego Troubadour frontfront porchporch Mike Tater, Jr. Keeps With Tradition by Pat Chin and Ellen Duplessie followed him around the next musical genre, but has kept the and top ramen ‘cause that’s all day and the one after that. He emphasis on bluegrass. you can afford. The next week iddling is tough. No frets. finally stopped and turned On being a professional you could be touring all over No picks. No capo. When around and introduced himself. musician, Mike is philosophi- the place with some great band. F most of us try to play one, It was pretty cool.” cal. “The key I’ve always Who knows? You just gotta it’s usually best to leash the Local bluegrass pro Mike thought is perseverance, not take the bad with the good.” dogs first. But when Mike Tater, Jr. plans to make a tour giving up. Taking the bad with Touring the western U.S., Tatar, Jr. picks up the fiddle, stop back in his hometown of the good and all that. You can Tater says he’s looking forward the tone is full, the notes are Poway this month. The ener- never tell what’s going to hap- to playing back in San Diego precise, the phrasing is classic. getic and original bluegrass pen in the music business. One where his professional musical It is bluegrass music of the band called Ron Spears and week you may be sharing a career began. The talented local highest quality. Mike has that Within Tradition, of which two-room apartment with five band Down the Road will open rare blend of knowledge, skill, Tater is a member, will play on people and eating hash browns the concert with a special and creativity that allows him reunion performance. This to evoke music of such power band was voted local San Diego Mike Tater, Jr. and beauty that it becomes favorite in 2000, and won the clear why the fiddle has 2000 regional band competi- (909-678-0831); at all Tuesday assumed its vaulted place tion that sent them to the evening S.D. Bluegrass Society among bluegrass instruments. IBMA convention in Louisville, meetings; or you can pay $15 Mike was born near the Kentucky. Members include at the door. Napa Valley in northern Kenny Wertz on banjo (see California where they know story on page 4), Kit Birkett on something about producing guitar, Becky Green on bass, world class vintages. His par- and Roger Gagos covering the ents, both fine musicians, mandolin duties. This show is exposed Mike to music at an definitely one not to miss! early age. The choice of fiddle Tickets are $13 and are as his primary instrument was available by phone: 858-679- almost predestined since his 4854, 858-679-1225, and 619- Ron Spears and Within Tradition: l to r. Mike Tater, Jr. on fiddle, grandfather and great grandfa- 276-1949; on the Internet: Charlie Edsall on guitar, Joe Ash on bass, and Phil Bostic on banjo. ther were both fiddlers in the www.tricopolisrecords.com Midwest. Mike began formal February 7 at the Poway study at the age of seven Auditorium in Poway Park. and was soon joining his par- Led by Ron Spears, Within ents at festivals and jams. With Tradition features Mike Tater, Blind Boys See the Light regard to fiddling, Mike tells Jr., on fiddle, along with us, “The mechanics of it are so Charlie Edsall on guitar, Joe hard. To get the fiddle tone out Ash on bass, and Phil Bostic on or over 60 years, the Blind singers have repeatedly reinvented “Here’s the deal,” Blind Boy material associated with artists from Fountain explains, “if the song is the of the instrument, that’s the banjo. FBoys of Alabama have tra- the world beyond the church. right song, we sit down and take it called Ron Spears “one of the versed “higher ground” hard thing.” The Tatars moved together. Since forming their group They’ve transformed (“I apart and listen to the words and see to San Diego when Mike was in most promising new talents to at the Alabama Institute for the Believe in You”) and Richard how the words correspond to how his early teens and quickly emerge on the bluegrass Negro Blind in 1939, they have kept Thompson (“Dimming of the Day”), we want to sing it. Music is music, became fixtures in the local scene.” Bluegrass Now said, alive the spirit and energy of pure illuminating the spiritual message and a song is good if you can feel bluegrass scene. Even back “Warm vibrant harmonies and soul gospel music. Founding mem- inherent in these soul-searching the emotion to really sing it.” bers Clarence Fountain, Jimmy songs. On last year’s Grammy Evidence of the Blind Boys’ ability to then, Mike’s talents were readi- five stellar string wizards make Carter, and George Scott, along with Award-winning Spirit of the Century “put the Lord in it,” as Fountain this fledgling band one to keep ly apparent. He relates, “Bobby more recent arrivals Joey Williams, (Real World), they applied that same phrases it, abound on their new disc, Hicks was a really big influence an eye on.” Ricky McKinnie, and Bobby Butler, knack to an eclectic array of tunes Higher Ground. Just check out the on me. Stuart Duncan was also The fiddle may be Tater’s have drawn upon gospel’s river-deep drawn from , Tom inspired segue from Funkadelic’s a big influence on me. When I main instrument, but it is cer- reflections on life’s trials, and mas- Waits, and Ben Harper, with a band “Me and My Folks” into a reading of that boasted such potent instrumen- the 23rd Psalm. The Blind Boys of was about 18, I fenagled a tainly not the only one that he tered its haunting falsettos and talists as blues guitarist John Alabama will be at UCSD’s excels in. Mike is also an out- vibrant, muscular harmonies. And at backstage pass at a festival and ages when most men have retired Hammond, string maestro David Mandeville Center on Wednesday, sat at the sound guy’s table not standing guitarist and man- from life’s spotlight, they continue to Lindley, and harp virtuoso Charlie February 5. five feet away from him and dolin player. He enjoys playing command the music’s heart-pound- Musselwhite. watched him the whole night. I jazz and is comfortable in any ing vigor as meditation erupts into foot-stomping, rollicking celebration. Remarkably, the Blind Boys not only represent the highest standard of a charismatic American musical tradition, they also extend that tradi- tion. Gospel has always nourished blues, rhythm-and-blues, and rock ‘n’ roll, so it seems only natural for the Blind Boys to have found a call- ing in transforming popular song back into consecrated writ. That’s been a favored aspect of the group’s albums and concerts in recent years. Since first reaching toward a wider audience with their roles in the 1983 production of The Gospel at Colonnus, Bob Telson and Lee Breuer’s Obie Award-winning off- Ron Spears and Within Tradition in concert Broadway and Broadway smash, the

6 San Diego Troubadour • February 2003 frontfront porchporch

Irish Dance: A Symbiosis of Music and Dance by John Hyatt we love to listen to. Our local Unlike modern club or interpre- sync with it. Although groups cover all spectrums of tive dancing, Irish dance is dancers can (and proba- an Diego is alive with the Irish-Celtic music style and dependent on the beat and time bly should) devote a lit- music. All over the city, include: the Brian Baynes Band of the music with the steps per- tle energy to showing Spubs, bars, coffee shops, (which also performs with the formed by dancers. The differ- their joy by smiling, they perform at var- and other venues are bustling San Diego Symphony), ent styles of tunes (i.e., reel, jig, do get caught up in the music ious times at with music of all styles. One Celticana, Celtic Ensemble, hornpipe) determine the type of and forget. Don’t be fooled by Twiggs coffee burgeoning form is that of Irish. Cobblestone, the Boxty Band, dance performed. In the case of their often-serious look that shop, Hooley’s, With an ever-growing Irish- Kitchenfire, Skelpin, Steelin Tin, Irish tunes (which also coin- they aren’t enjoying themselves. and other venues American community comes and the Westlin Weavers. cides with Scottish and much They are. “Without the music, it where not only great beer and whiskey, Among these great bands also bluegrass or “mountain” would just be me dancing by they have music. but also music and thus dance. stand out many other musicians music), the time signature is myself, the music is very impor- The House of The music of Ireland is as much like Joe Byrnes, Tony what determines whether the tant!” says Colleen Farrell (for- Ireland (website: a part of the culture as any other Cummins, Kit Healy, tune is a reel or a jig for mer principal dancer of Lord of www.irish-cot- aspect associated with the Irish. and others that example. Whether it the Dance, currently on tour with tage.net) posts The music sessions commonly you will find is traditional or Cherish the Ladies, a top Irish updates on the found in most pubs in Ireland about the progressive, the group). Colleen, a world cham- local music and grew out of the gatherings in the local music timing of a reel pion dancer, enjoys sharing a dance scene. Also kitchens of folks who would scene. or jig is con- reel or jig whenever she is home check the websites bring their instruments and sing Where stant in Irish from her various touring oppor- of or contact these and play to relieve the stress of there is music. The tunities in the local scene. She venues directly for daily life. music, there dancers can has been about with Kitchenfire information on These sessions have been is also dance. effectively at local pubs and at the St. sessions and musi- imported to San Diego with the The relation- complete their Patrick’s Day festival last year. cians. As always, rest of the Irish community and ship between steps to the preci- So where can one go to hear please support thrive about the city to this day. music and dance sion of the feis and see this great music and your local musi- David Page, Sr., who, over 30 is a symbiotic one that judges, so that it looks dance? It’s as close as your local cians whatever years ago began encouraging is inseparable. Although music amazing to the delight of the pub or coffee shop. Sessions are style of music they local Irish jam sessions, was a and dance can exist without audience. held weekly at the Blarney Stone perform and let great influence in initiating each other in one form or anoth- One question often asked of (Clairemont), Dublin Square, the management these sessions locally. er, the two will always coincide. dancers is, “Why don’t you the Field, the House of Ireland know you enjoyed Cornerstone pubs such as the To prove a point, try listening to smile when you dance? You look (on Sundays), and at the Ould the group and to Blarney Stone in Clairemont and music without tapping a foot, so serious.” The answer to that Sod. Musicians and bands also bring them back. the Ould Sod in Normal Heights bobbing the head, patting the query is in the symbiosis of the continue these great sessions on knee, or even mentally keeping music and dance. Because the a regular basis and newcomers, in time with the rhythm. Music dance is dependent on the tim- such as The Field and Dublin inspires us to move with it in ing and rhythm of the music, Square, have adopted the tradi- some way. the dancer must always focus on tion of pub sessions. One result Most people are familiar the music in order to stay in of these sessions is the forma- with Irish dance through the tion of many groups ranging in choreography of Michael Flatly style from Irish traditional to a for the musical Riverdance. progressive contemporary However, Irish dance has exist- Monster Mandolin Duo fusion. The merging and differ- ed long before 1994 when ing styles of the bands produces Riverdance premiered. The Coming to La Paloma Theater a wonderful selection of music refined form of dance we know that appeals to a great number of today began in the eighteenth longer the fresh-faced little kid who the boundaries of acoustic instru- music lovers. Some reject the century with dance masters in startled the mandolin community by mental music. Today he splits his releasing his astounding debut CD time playing in two very different modern mix of tunes, while oth- Ireland who went from village to at the tender age of 12. No, now he’s groups: one is the bluegrass super- ers have no desire to visit the village teaching dance steps to the fresh-faced young man who is group , which includes foundation of the arrangements. people for lodging and food. startling the mandolin community on violin, on Music, as with other forms of Out of these practices dance competitions, called a “feis” with his unsurpassed technical vir- guitar, on banjo, and art, is alive — it changes and tuosity while simultaneously capti- on bass. The other is a (fesh), among students of these reflects the experience, life, and vating the larger acoustic communi- jazz-inspired quartet that explores dance masters began and are soul of the musician wielding ty with the remarkable success of the outer reaches of their collective still held today throughout the the instrument, making fusion his prodigy band . improvisational skills in the Anger Mike Marshall, Chris Thile an inevitable result of the “life” world, culminating in a world Joining Thile at the La Paloma Marshall Band. Band members of music. The foundation of championship feis held annually force of nature with a flat- Theater will be Mike Marshall, a 20- include Darol Anger on violin, Derek Irish music is never forgotten in Ireland. San Diego hosts two pick; to say Chris Thile is as year veteran of the acoustic music Jones on bass, and Aaron Johnston nor can it be disrespected in the competitions a year in Astaggering a talent as has scene. Master of the mandolin as on drums. growth process that brings September and October. San ever come out of bluegrass would well as guitar and violin, he is able about the great diversity of Diego is also the home of seven be too limiting. Few have emerged to swing gracefully between jazz, Chris Thile and music we have today. schools where Irish dance is from any genre that compare with classical, bluegrass, and Latin The San Diego music scene taught. Children from as young Thile’s brilliance says the Chicago styles, which is rare in the world of Mike Marshall is a hot bed of these great local as four years old to those learn- Tribune. A 20-year old mandolinist American vernacular instrumental- Thurs., Feb. 27, 7 p.m. bands. As with most bands, ing as adults (in their sixties or and former child prodigy, Thile has ists. With 20 years’ experience La Paloma Theater exploded into a master musician. In recording and touring with some of musicians gather, jam, make greater) learn this exciting form Corner of South Coast friends, discover similar styles of dance expression. a very short period of time, he has the finest acoustic musicians in the managed to make the mandolin cool Highway 101 and D Street and passions, and create Irish step and ceili (pro- world, including Stephane Grappelli, to mainstream audiences as well as Encinitas alliances that become the groups nounced kay-lee) dancing is Tony Rice, Mark O’Connor, and Darol interwoven with the music. the national media. Today he is no Anger, Marshall continues to push Reservations: 877/597-1468

7 February 2003 • San Diego Troubadour parlorparlor showcaseshowcase

full circle Story by Robert Woerheide Photography by Thom Vollenweider N PLI GE A R C DENNIS The

ennis Caplinger arrives in a clean, black pickup truck D whose vast bed is loaded with instrument cases: , , a mandolin, a Dobro, a fiddle, a bass. As we make our introductions, cans. As he grew older he learned the he explains that these are only a nuances of rhythm — playing along handful of his fifty, or more, instru- to albums from his mother’s collec- ments. I’m impressed, as much by tion. For Dennis, everything changed the immediacy of his friendliness as when he dropped the needle on the by the musical smorgasbord he has grooves of a Lester Flatt and record. He recalls the memo- brought with him. We’re at Studio Caplinger is a most competent musi- standing of how to play [any] one ry as we share a couple of colas in West, in the Rancho Bernardo area, cian. His mastery over so many instrument. Like if I’m playing banjo, the lounge of Studio West, where getting ready to talk about the stuff of instruments has fostered a reputation. I’m thinking about what the fiddle Dennis is well known and liked. “I put music, and before I’ve even pulled out “When people find out about that, you player in the band would like me to that record on and something just my writer’s journal, Dennis has become stereotyped. They think be playing.” This musical civic-mind- clicked. I couldn’t believe that whole already set me at ease. Getting down you’re a multi-instrumentalist, but a edness extends to not only his work bluegrass thing. So I made my mom to business, it doesn’t take long to master of none. [But] in Bluegrass Etc. but buy me a banjo, and I started learning realize he’s a busy man. His work as I’ve worked real also to his session to play. I just kind of locked myself “Even at this a session musician for other artists hard to try to get to work for other away and started wearing records — and for advertising, movies and an industry stan- stage of groups or artists. television shows — takes up as out. I had an old record player that dard, at least, level “Playing ses- much time as his work with would slow down to half speed, and accomplishment, on every instru- sions is all about fig- Bluegrass Etc., the band he has been I’d try to figure out what was actually ment.” This is where I’m at, you uring things out — a member of for well over two going on as far as the banjo picking reflective not only of it’s great to have decades. [was concerned].” always have his playing, but also chops, but 99 per- Thirty years later, after numerous Dennis Caplinger grew up in a of his respect for somebody that cent of your chops contests and festivals, and after house not of musicians but of music. each instrument and are going to stay in countless studio hours and plenty of you admire and By the time he could sense a beat, he its voice in the the bag when you’re musical theory training, Dennis was banging on overturned coffee musical conversa- want to play like.” on a session. You’ve tion of bluegrass got to figure out played properly. what’s that one percent of your bag “It always fascinated me how the that these people need. I always instruments interacted, especially in a approach it as what’s the tastiest bluegrass band. I started out playing thing I can play here — not what’s banjo — I had already played a little the flashiest thing. And every once in guitar — and from the banjo I got a a while you’ll run into a session when Dobro, and then I wanted to learn to you can really burn, and that’s when play the fiddle, so I got one and ago- you can drop some jaws.” nized with that . . . and then some- I asked Dennis about his experi- body said ‘hey you should get a man- ences as an engineer and producer, dolin,’ so I got one of those. And after and about the musical benefits of a while of playing the different instru- working on both sides of the studio ments, you learn how they interact glass. “One of the things I’ve discov- and it helps you have a better under- ered is the best producers and engi-

8 San Diego Troubadour • February 2003 parlorparlor showcaseshowcase

History Channel. His playing has been make music part of their adult life. “I featured on advertising for New York don’t jump on the arts bandwagon N Life, Supercuts, Subway Sandwiches, like a lot of other people,” he says LI G Discover Card, and Cingular Wireless. kindly. “I think if music calls to kids, P E His movie soundtrack credits include they’ll find a way [to answer that R Back to the Future III, El Diablo, Rio call]. When I was young, I just had to A Diablo, and Stephen King’s Apt Pupil, have the banjo. I had to have it. I C among others. would have made one if I needed to.” DENNI Bluegrass Etc. (comprised of Listening to the confident twang of S Some have called him the con- Dennis, John Moore and Billy Bryson), his banjo as he played, I began to summate sideman, ready with an has released three albums to date, believe he knows something about enviable bag of musical tricks — and the trio is putting finishing touch- the power of music that surpasses ready to engineer or produce, to es on their next studio album (as yet contemporaneous concerns, a secret record, or perform. It is no wonder untitled), which is scheduled for that might elude the rest of us. that this musical dynamo, who can release this month. They are regular It hasn’t eluded his children play the banjo as skillfully as the gui- performers at the Temecula Bluegrass though, who seem well on their way tar or fiddle, would be in high demand Festival to making as both a live performer and a studio neers that I’ve ever met in the busi- each spring music part of musician. But don’t make the mistake ness — they’re all players. Producers and the their lives. He of calling him a jack of all trades. who are players really know what is Julian and his wife Dennis Caplinger is so much more going to work musically. Somebody Bluegrass Libby have than that: he is a man who under- who’s not a musician, who just Festival enjoyed stands that music is about something bought the book ‘how to produce a each watching their greater than the individual instru- record’ and is just wearing a hat, autumn. 14-year-old ments needed to produce sound. To they’ll throw out an idea and all the Information daughter be in his presence is to discover that musicians in the room know . . . it’s about their Melissa record music has touched him in a most never gonna work.” performanc- vocal tracks at remarkable way, and in the end, it is Dennis has worked with many es, album releases, and the band their home studio. “She was [practic- music that plays him. He has become notable musicians and has plans to members themselves can be ing vocals] on her own. And when we its instrument. produce Chris Hillman’s [guitarist, accessed via the Bluegrass Etc. web- recorded her . . . I was impressed. bassist and mandolinist from the site at She’s got promising talent.” Nine- Byrds, the Flying Burrito Brothers, and www.tricopolisrecords.com/bluegras- year-old Zachary appears to have a among others] setc.htm, where a link to Dennis’ per- penchant for songwriting, and who upcoming studio album. Dennis has sonal home page is also provided. knows what their youngest — four- worked closely with Nickel Creek and As if his musical accomplish- year-old Rachael — might have in has played alongside banjo legend ments weren’t already enough, store for the future? Apparently his Bela Fleck. “That’s like sitting next to, Dennis and his bandmates organize children are wasting no more time well it is, sitting next to probably the workshops regularly for aspiring than he did, banging away on those finest player living. And it was just musicians. “Bluegrass Etc. normally coffee cans and raiding his mother’s neat to hang out and have him say, does workshops at every festival we record collection. ‘hey man, you sound good. I dig what play. Some workshops are dedicated, you’re doing.’ Even at this stage of week-long affairs. I find when people accomplishment, where I’m at, you are trying to learn an instrument, it’s always have somebody that you like learning a language. You start out admire and want to play like.” Dennis by learning little snippets of things, has also worked with San Diego- like letters that you put into words. based artists such as Berkley Hart, And when you get a command over Eve Selis, Tim Flannery, Carol Ames, the vocabulary then you can actually and Steve Vaus, to name a few. direct it into what you want to say. When Dennis told me he occa- Teaching people really makes you sionally records instrumentals for focus on ‘what am I really doing?’ Fox’s The Simpsons, I had to restrain and it improves your own playing.” my glee. But his television and movie Considering today’s continued credits extend beyond this writer’s budget cuts for the arts in public favorite television show. Such credits schools, I was curious whether include work for Pinkie and the Brain Dennis felt that kids were being sold and Hysteria, in addition to numerous short — that they would miss oppor- programs on PBS, A&E, TNN, and The tunities that might foster a desire to Bluegrass Etc. Bill Bryson, John Moore, and Dennis Caplinger

9 February 2003 • San Diego Troubadour

thethe highway’shighway’s songsong

THOUGHTS FROM A TRUCK STOP qNAMMr

A Highway from The Magnificent Seven by Ellen Duplessie Guitars. There we were able by Jimmy “Diesel” White to not only listen to some he winter NAMM of their talented performers The rigors of trucking and being show, held this past and test out any one of a trucker take its toll from time to Tmonth at the Anaheim their many fine instruments, time. As I have said in past articles Convention Center, was as but also to visit with all the mystic legends of road fun, exhausting, and mind- many local friends from heroes seem to be slip-sliding away boggling as ever. It was fun home. and have been for quite some time to check out the seemingly We also visited Gibson, now. So there I was in another endless music related prod- whose showroom display schedule nightmare. Just before we ucts, old and new. And to really couldn’t compare to go to press I’m stuck in Banning, even try to see it all was what was going on over at California. Yeah, I know, don’t even exhausting, not so much that Taylor, although they too ask where it is. But for those of you the entire day was spent who do know, you bloody well know had a nice large selection of walking or just standing Jon Hall, owner of Rickenbacker how hard the wind blows. There are great guitars. We visited the around (which is even more much smaller booths of those folks who say it blows so hard Jimmy “Diesel” White Other “high-profile” tiring), but because of the Collings’ guitars, along with there because Indio, California artists who made an appear- sucks. Well, that’s another mystery through hair-pin turns and switch- effort in trying to see it all in those made by Santa Cruz ance at the show were Stevie to be solved. back cities. And without proper just one day. The hardest part right next door. Of course Wonder, Van Halen, Will Ray, So, first let me say how sorry I brake adjustment, stinky brakes will was just choosing where to our trip wouldn’t have been and I’m sure others whom am for missing the Troub’s Christmas continue to happen! All I know is go and which booths to be complete without a stop by we missed. All in all, our visit party and I, wanting to meet such a what I see and hear. When the sure not to miss, requiring us the Fender room. And we large fan base — oooops, I mean movie was over I went channel surf- to NAMM, along with a stop to pass too quickly by others surely had to make a stop by others in the fight to express them- ing again to a station I wish I could at the Costa Mesa Guitar that caught our attention as the two pedal selves in their roots music and who (and should put) a child lock on, Show on the way home, well. makers there as well — Carter don’t allow themselves to be swal- which is CMT’s Steam. There she made for one fun, music- One of our favorite stops and Sierra. But being the lowed whole into the matrix main- was, this recently signed bubble- filled weekend. was, of course, Taylor stream of corporate Holy-Jeepers- headed bleached blond jumping all Rickenbacker fanatics that we we-have-all-this-money-to-spend- over the bed in men’s underwear are, we seemed to spend the on-bubblegum-crap types. However, with a guitar. There were the usual most time just hanging out I did want to mind-meld with a cou- close-ups and personal camera at their booth. ple of Berkley and Hart types. Sorry shots of her singing into the micro- Heading up north to the I wasn’t there. I did, however, redis- phone, with close-up shots of a sexy show on Friday afternoon, cover several old artists I’ve been female tongue that would make we had plans to catch Chris missing while browsing at the those out there with a tongue fetish Hillman’s performance (who Borders store in El Cajon. That want to be her next snack! I just played with Herb Pedersen would be Delbert McClinton and wanted to vomit at the lack of quali- and Bill Bryson) at the Solomon Burke and anyone out ty in Nashville’s writing and video Acoustic Cafe. The show was there starving for some good, fresh production. “But Holy Jeepers, material should check them out if Jimmy D., we got all this money to great, but we were sorry to you like R&B and Delta blues. Nice spend unlike all them hick produc- discover that we had missed fresh desert air stuff. ers who only cared about how a Roger McGuinn, who went OK! Down to the heart of it. I was voice sounded and forgot what their on just before them. We did sitting down one day racking the appearance was.” No doubt I could get the chance to meet him brain that had been filled with noth- go to Nashville and find a singing the next day, however, while ing but brain farts. Befuddled, I gave coach who (for a large fee) would Chris Hillman and Bill Collings, owner visiting with the folks from Rock stars Abe DeLeon and up. There was nothing to write force me to sound like a Tim of Collings guitars Rickenbacker. Darreld Dawson about, so I turned on the TV to suck McGraw type who probably learned the rest of any creativity that may be it from Garth Brooks (uuugghh — left in me and LOOOOOW and that high pitched whine!). Either you BEHOOOOOOLD! The western movie have it or you don’t. of all western movies, The Maybe I m just angry ‘cause Magnificent Seven was on. WOW! Santa didn’t give me what I wanted So there I sat watching all the great this year. Maybe I just haven’t done actors as I had grown up to know the wild thing in a while, or maybe, them. There was James Coburn who just maybe, I too have a subliminal just recently passed from us, Yul female tongue fetish ever since I Brynner, Charles Bronson, and other watched Faith Hill singing the greats who I have sadly missed. As I national anthem years ago and was continued to watch, I realized how mesmerized by the cracks on her well they executed their craft, how tongue! Swallow me baby, all the script of the movie flowed so your… Stop it! Get a grip, Jimmy D! well. I suddenly realized I was Maybe its all subliminal! Wow! watching a dying breed, a part of Down, dog, down. Again I say, it’s Hollywood’s little groups of actors time to take this white trash on who played well with each other in down her throat… I mean down the their various projects, which tells road dammit! This is Jimmy “D” me good casting was another big White, sayin’ Bye bye Baby. factor. It soon dawned on me this is how my beloved country rock and coun- try music have lost their brakes and have smoked them all the way E 10 San Diego Troubadour • February 2003 ramblin’

Hosing Down Recommended Listening by José Sinatra the English shoulders of one Billy Shears, whose true-life by Paul Abbott Imitation is the flattest form adventures, if ever finally Regular readers of this col- of sincerity. That it is nearly revealed, will astonish the umn know that I’m an advocate bereft of substance or lasting world. of minimalist recording and pro- value hasn’t stopped a lot of Then there are those who, cessing. To put my money celebrities from making oodles due to some malicious joke of where my mouth is, I’ve collect- of money off it before their genetics, are powerless in ed a few CDs that are done with a few mics and little or no signal eventual arrival at the grimy their struggle for individuality. The inimitable Mr. Sinatra processing. gates of Hell. Their physical resemblance to recent suit filed by the disgust- But if it makes ‘em happy, some other star makes it Philadelphia Orchestra: ingly sexy Shakira against and the public buys it, who am impossible to attend the same Nature’s Realm triple defendants Britney I to decry the transitory pleas- parties or events as their look- Audiophile recording guru Spears, Pam Anderson Lee ures they experience in this alikes, even if such occasions Kavichandran Alexander’s Water Rock, and Charo was thrown Lily Acoustics record label has tiny life before they begin their could alleviate the ongoing out of court due to “circum- been churning out amazing eternity of painful, agonizing public suspicion that they are Paul Abbott stantial inversion,” a term I’d stereo recordings for years. The damnation? actually one and the same … twist is that Kavi is old school, be happy to explain to the Miles Davis: Kind of Blue Emulation itself can some- or two of a kind … or identical using only analog recorders and plaintiff in private at the first times become nearly holy. Eric cousins … or actually the real all-tube signal path. The results This musical milestone isn’t possible opportunity … unless just a collection of great compo- Carmen, perhaps the first star thing after all. Think about it: are second to none. His 1999 I’m too busy crying in my Moët sitions, it’s also a fantastic exam- of note to shamelessly exhibit do any undoctored photo- recording of the Philadelphia et Chandon (another MC?!) Orchestra is purported to be the ple of how to capture a small the powerful effects of the graphs exist that show certain over my inability to be more first analog all-tube orchestral ensemble with just three mics — McCartney Complex (hereafter celebrities actually sharing the a stereo mic for the band and a like people who have little time recording in 20 years! MC), had within him an same space on this earth at spot mic for the soloist. for comparisons but with an This is definitely one of the immense amount of undeni- the identical time? How about Kind of Blue has been re- eager willingness to accept best recordings I’ve ever heard. able talent, even prior to David Duchovny and Pete issued (and remastered) numer- enjoyment in any form at any If you’re a fan of the orchestra developing his own perfectly Townshend? Ellen DeGeneris and have a system that can han- ous times, but the latest version time (until they find themselves individual style. For an and Rutger Hauer? Eric and dle serious dynamic range, it will employing Sony’s Super Bit toasting in Hell, too). Mapping technology is the best. admirable period Carmen Julia Roberts? Michael quickly become one of your May the Hose they see It’s also one of a few titles cur- greatly enriched the cultural Jackson and Chaney’s desert island discs. It features the down there be only my double, music of Liszt and Dvorák. rently available on SACD in desert, an accomplishment Phantom of the Opera? an uncritical simulation with multi-channel, or “surround that did not go unnoticed by Let me be the first to con- Don Ross: Passion Sessions sound” format. So if you have a courtesy enough to convinc- Bizet, who allegedly wrote an gratulate Nicholas Cage’s Acoustic guitar wizard Don Ross home theater system that can ingly thrash about beneath the opera about him. Even in his unbilled double in the recent headed to a church in Berlin play these discs, this SACD ver- rhythmic contortions of early days with the film Adaptation. Word has it called Passionskirche for this sion is a real treat. Shakira’s clone. And may disc, armed only with a few Raspberries, Eric Carmen that for this, his acting debut, So there you have it: three CDs some damned soul send me acoustic guitars, a stereo mic proved that he could write the unknown thespian under- to sink your teeth into that may pictures immediately. and a high-resolution digital songs at least as good as sev- went years of rigorous plastic just change your mind about how Oh yeah … before I go — two-track recorder. The results eral early Beatles classics, surgery in order to look exact- are fantastic. His superb acoustic great recordings can be made. I’m grateful for having been Kind of Blue is vintage, Passion while sounding more like ly like the former Mr. Lisa guitar playing shines, and the axed to help MC ($$) with the Sessions is modern and Nature’s McCartney than McCartney Marie Presley. An Oscar nod acoustics of a great performance upcoming Troubadour Realm is a modern take on the himself on occasion. would certainly seem to be space are evident. This is a perfect Showcase at Dizzy’s on example a modern, high-resolu- benefits of vintage technology. Go Other sufferers of MC within the clouds, were it not February 13. Hard as it may be tion digital recording done right. out and pick one up, and judge weren’t as fortunate. Dino for the likelihood that he and the results for yourself. to believe, that won’t be Martin, Jr. (Dino, Desi, and Mr. Cage would cancel each McCartney up there, just the Billy) crashed and burned. other out in the voting. unaffected ME. Yes, yes, yes. Blondie’s Clem Burke hid pro- With women, things And I’ll give you all my love. tectedly behind a drum set, the become crueler. The imitated (That’s all I do ….) effects of MC detectable only star is likely to vanish almost in his bearing and demeanor. entirely after the onslaught of The internalized pressure must a canny clone. The judicial be devastating; I hope to be system of a perfect world far away when the inevitable would call for hearty monetary explosion occurs. Of course judgments in Kate Bush’s favor the biggest MC case of all was from the dainty pockets of Tori nearly corporately thrust upon Amos and Sheryl Crow. A

11 February 2003 • San Diego Troubadour ofof notenote

BOOK REVIEWS by Lou Curtiss

The Bandits Darlin’ and Hatfield Rain 2002 Demo Rose Matter of Time by Phil Harmonic Darlin’ and Rose by Phil Harmonic A Good- Singing in The Bandits have manifested a In 1956 Burt Lancaster starred sound that is rough and raw. It’s by Phil Harmonic in The Rainmaker. Some say the Natured Riot the Saddle a sound that drives, kicks, and character was based on the real punches at you with a certain One fond memory of being rainmaker, Charles Hatfield, who Charles K. Wolfe Douglas B. Green kind of intense energy, which raised in the Midwest during the migrated to Southern California This well-researched book on makes it a little goofy and a late ‘50s was walking around from the Midwest. In 1915 the This one has been out a while the movie cowboy phenomenon whole lotta fun to listen to. with a transistor radio glued to city of San Diego hired him to fill but it’s still around. An extremely of the 1930s and ‘40s covers Michael Archuleta on guitar, my ear and listening to the Top the Morena Dam reservoir, offer- well-written and beautifully pre- Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Tex along with Daniel Archuleta on 40 Hit Parade. Back then about ing to pay him $10,000. But sented book on the birth and Ritter, Sons of the Pioneers, and upright bass, have blended half of the songs were country- after he made good on his early history of the Grand Ole dozens of others. It outlines the twangy surf guitar with off- western oriented. And some- promise, the city reneged and Opry. Lots of photographs of artists’ work on radio, in the melody vocals that are reminis- times when listening to one style refused to pay him, the courts early groups and musicians, movies, and their respective cent of the B-52s and Devo. of music, there are moments ruling the phenomenon an act many that are printed here for recording carrers. Author Green Michael has written six songs on when it all starts to sound the of God and not of his doing. the first time (at least I haven’t is a member of Riders in the Sky this demo that are unique and, same, especially country-west- Rather than calling himself a seen them before). Hardbound as well as a noted country music at times, very funny. An example ern, to me, anyway. This is not rainmaker, Hatfield preferred the with 312 pages. A great read, historian. Singing cowboy fans of his humor is well shown in the case with Darlin’ and Rose, moniker Moisture Accelerator. In especially for those interested in will love the rare photos and an “Twice as Cool.” On “Another an 11-song CD from Nisha April 2001 the group named the history of country music and extensive index. Night,” they sound like a Beatles Catron and Sylvester E. Bowen. Hatfield Rain emerged — a nice bluegrass on the radio. contemporary ‘60’s band. On Bowen, who may be better tribute to the man who wasn’t tracks “All the Girls in Heaven” known as co-owner of Freedom paid, but I would have chosen and “I Want You So,” they Guitar, and Catron wrote all the the name Hatfield favored. Well, become a group. They songs, seven of which were maybe there’s a little too much can shift into sounding like a cowritten. Along with producer inuendo there. metal band, with, for example Sven-Erik Seaholm, they have Matter of Time, a new CD from “Into the Darkness,” and then created a diverse group of selec- the six-member group, is a play with power at warp speed. tions that are different yet bond- blend of rock, country, blues, The bouncing tempos, com- ed together, and what flows out and jazz, with diverse musical bined with vocals that hang on is music with a “contact-com- styles inlaid with lyrics about the bottom of the note to create fort” feel. Some call it “feel changes, lost love, life’s experi- an off-key color to the timbre, good music.” Who doesn’t like ences, and dreams of what could make their sound refreshing and to feel good? But there are also be. The musicianship of band- different and, most important, melancholy sides. “Your Favorite members Robert Fedeli (organ), FUN! Song,” written by Catron, is a Kyle Ince (lead guitar), Dawn I like these guys. tribute to the memory of a Jackson (lead vocals), Bob friend. Catron shows her ability Sheehan (drums), Ted Stern A Hot Bed of to broaden her vocal style on (pedal steel), and Mark Tucker In the another song she wrote called (bass) is of the highest quality. “Million Dollar Smile,” a torch All songs were written by Ince Country of Musicians song with a beautiful string and/or Jackson, plus three with arrangement backing a haunting Y Ince collaborator Brian Sharkey, Paula Anderson HE melody built on jazz chordal some of which have a rock feel S! Country Here is a fascinating look at a KID changes. It reminded me of the and some country, etc. The bunch of old-time musicians wonderful k.d. lang and Ben instrumentation and vocals are Nicolas Dawidoff from the Whitetop/New River Mink collaborations. The pol- both lush and full. “Heart of Valley area of Virginia/North ished production of Seaholm Me,” a slow, bluesy lament high- This is one of the best written Advertise your new CDs or Carolina. Specifically, the book captures the essence of the lighted by the pedal steel guitar, recent books on country music CD Release Parties in the focuses on Ola Belle Reed, Albert incredibly solid back-up playing showcases Jackson’s vocal and that I have seen. Dawidoff Hash, Uncle Dave Sturg II, and Troubadour! It’s a way to get of Dennis Caplinger, Doug writing abilities. The feel, created explores with keen insight the Wayne Henderson, but the the word out and it’s cheap! Meyer, Mike Bedard, Glen by an atypical chord progression, lives of some of the more inter- appendices list many other musi- Fisher, and Cecil McBee, Jr. makes it a great song. Former esting music personalities, such Only $45 for a business card cians from this area. This one is Caplinger’s fiddle work and Usual Suspects’ vocalist Sharkey as Ira and Charlie Louvin, Doc size. Email: [email protected] available by mail order direct Meyer’s pedal steel guitar are wrote lyrics to Ince’s “Don’t Watson, Johnny Cash, Bill from the University of Tennessee to reserve a space and for sooooo good that they raise the Surrender Today,” “I Mean Monroe, George Jones, Ralph or just about anywhere. A must standard of excellence and, in Well,” and “Angels on the Stanley, and the Carter Family. more info. read for old-time music fans. fact, exemplify the professional- Train.” A quality lyricist, indeed. ism of all aspects of this entire The use of violin, organ, pedal CD. The final track, “My Tears steel, and guitar are highly effec- Have Gone to Pain,” is a bluesy, tive. But at times, as with any jazzy, bass-walking stroll, colored production, the sound can and well-enhanced by Frank Lee become a little too polished, Drennen’s wispy note bending, making it come across so clean “It’s hard to sing andQuote be mean at the same time.” surreal harmonica. A nice touch, that the edge becomes rounded — Gene Autry but the true feel of this CD is and along with it, a bit of soul. I heard in the comfort of his voice have a strong feeling that if you (Gene must have liked this line because he also used it on his radio when Darlin’ sings to Rose, “I’ll see and hear them live, you’d show and I heard him say it once live at the Town Hall Party. It belongs Be Only Yours.” love them! in Bartletts Familiar Quotations —ol’ brother Lou)

12 San Diego Troubadour • February 2003

‘round‘round aboutabout

Local Yokels A HAYSEED’S MUSIC PICKS FOR FEBRUARY by Gus T. Williker Derailers, Cowboy Nation, uptempo country that shreds like PIPES-BURST-AND-KIDS-GIT- Johnny Cash, Rattled Roosters, a CS499 Troy-Bilt Chipper. But, CRAPPY-SCHOOLIN’-Bowl?!) This ‘billy is goin’ back to the Hayseed Dixie... there is a heck-of-a-show at the I doubt you need any con- booth! If that sounds like good lis- Scene too! Berkley Hart and the vincin’ about No, I didn’t convince sum tenin’ to you, come on by, and if American Folk Singers are comin’ to 4th & B on Thursday, local crap-ass radio station that not (as my flick hero Corkie playin’ the Clairemont Mesa February 13 (www.4thandb.com). thar’s life beyond 311 and blink- would say) — I HATE YOU, AND venue along with Alice Peacock It is bein’ billed as an acoustic 182, but I did score a gig as a I HATE YER ASS FACE! (more info at www.hob.com). nite, so expect a stripped down live club deejay! I’ll be spinnin’ Now let’s look at some That should be dang good too... Yoakam and some good ol’ tunes and helpin’ to book bands shows comin’ up... It’s right back to the Casbah tunes. for a Roots/Rockabilly/Country If you wanna kick off on Tuesday, February 4, cuz Deke Dickerson & the Ecco- Nite at In Cahoots (5373 Mission February with a bang, go see the BR549 and Bartender’s Bible are Fonics and Dick Smiley will be Center Road, 619/291-8635). This Barnyard Ballers at Tio Leo’s bringin’ it to ya, my brutha. It’s at Tio Leo’s Lounge on Saturday, twang thang will be happenin’ Lounge on Saturday, February 1 the perfect combination...BR is February 15 (www.tioleos.com). every Thursday nite, and we’re (No, people, no! I meant “bang” bold and catchy, and BB gritty Both bands are quite diverse, gonna have some great bands as in a firecracker, nothin’ else!). and raw. You’ll satisfy yer entire with Dickerson leanin’ toward rollin’ thru. The Ballers ain’t no PG-13 affair, podunk palette. rockabilly and Smiley to country, Now as far as the deejay so be prepared fer some loud, The Insane Clown Posse and but with a whole buncha styles Gus Williker, the “Sexiest Man Alive,” stuff goes... well, proof is in the naughty psychobilly. 2 Live Crew are gonna be at in between. according to the media. playlist! Me ‘n my co-deejay My birthday is on Monday, Canes Bar & Grill on Chris Stuart and Steve will be spinnin’ bands like February 3 (send presents to: Wednesday, February 12 (Didn’t Backcountry will be at Borders Deke Dickerson & the Ecco- Gus, po box 90233, San Diego, San Diego suffer enuff indignity Books & Music in Mission Valley Fonics, Dave Alvin, BR549, the CA 92169), and it’s gonna be hostin’ Raiders’ fans fer the on Friday, February 21 (1072 Lucky Stars, Split Lip Rayfield, tough decidin’ where to go that Super-Rich-People’s-CLEAR- Camino del Rio North). It’s free, the Scotch Greens, Uncle nite. The Weary Boys are comin’ THE-GASLAMP-OF-UNSEEMLY- and Backcountry is definitely Tupelo, Roger Wallace, Hillbilly to the Casbah (www.casbahmu- BUMS-AND-ASK-FOR-200-MIL- worth the look-see (and hear). Hellcats, the Gourds, Frog sic.com), and that’s mighty LION-DOLLARS-FOR-ANOTHER- xoxo, Holler, the Domino Kings, the temptin’. These fellars play STADIUM-WHILE-CITY-WATER- Gus www.WhiteHotTrash.com

13 February 2003 • San Diego Troubadour

‘round‘round aboutabout

FEBRUARY MUSIC CALENDAR WEEKLY

Carlsbad, 6:30-10:30pm. Bayou Brothers, Downtown Cafe, Becky Hammett/Patrick Dennis/ every sunday 182 E. Main St., El Cajon, 7pm. American Folk Singers, Twiggs, Brian Koehler, solo guitar, Pannikin- saturday • 1 8:30pm. 7th Day Buskers, Hillcrest Farmer’s Del Mar, 8pm. Steve Gillette/Cindy Mangsen, San Market/DMV parking lot, 10am-1pm. International Dance Festival, Dieguito United Methodist Church, 7th Day Buskers, Whistle Stop, 9pm. Peter Sprague & Blurring the Edges, Balboa Park: workshops and dance 7:30pm. Reservations: 858/566-4040. Celtic Ensemble, Twiggs, 4pm. instruction 10am-6pm in Recital Hall. Dizzy’s, 8pm. Int’l Silver Strings Submarine Band Extreme Country, hosted by Mike Continues Sunday. Call 858/694-0424 Terry Matsuoka, Twiggs, 8:30pm. saturday • 22 Vlack, 7-10pm, KSON (97.3 FM). for more info. w/ Billy Watson,blues/jazz, Pannikin-Del Mar, 8pm. Bluegrass Night with Bill Knopf, Jazz Roots, hosted by Lou Curtiss, Jason Mraz, Spreckels Theater. Call Clearly Bluegrass, & Tom Corbett, 9-10:30pm, KSDS (88.3 FM). saturday • 8 Berkley Hart, Lestats Coffee House, for info. Hilltop Center, 331 E. Elder, Fallbrook. 8pm. The Bluegrass Special, hosted by Peggy Watson/Robin Adler, Benefit Call 760/723-2563 for info. Angela Correa/Tom Brosseau, Cafe Wayne Rice, 10-midnight, KSON for Peace Concert for Activist San Sue Palmer/Motel Swing Orchestra, Elysa, Carlsbad, 7-10pm. Buddy Blue, Tio Leos, 5302 Napa St. (97.3 FM). Diego, World Beat Center, Balboa Croce’s Top Hat, 9pm. Dan Levinson, San Dieguito United Park. Call for info. Call for info. Methodist Church, 7:30pm. Tim Flannery, East County Center for Angela Correa/Ryan Blue/Jonathan Reservations: 858/566-4040. saturday • 15 every monday the Performing Arts, El Cajon, Terrell/Joe Rathburn, Hot Monkey Arlo Guthrie, California Center for 7:30pm. The Lettermen, Copley Symphony Love Cafe, 7pm. Swing Dancing, Tio Leos, 5302 Napa St., 6-8pm. the Performing Arts, Escondido, 8pm. Hall. Call for info. Skelpin’, Old Poway Park, 7:30pm. Robin & Linda Williams, San Dieguito United Methodist Church, Tango Dancing, Tio Leos, 5302 Napa Reservations: 858/566-4040. Kensington Avenue/Kristi Martel, St., 8pm. Twiggs, 8:30pm. 7:30pm. Reservations: 858/566-4040. sunday • 2 Peter Bolland, Twiggs, 8:30pm. Open Mic Night, Lestats. Call Baja Blues Boys, Cafe Crema, Derek Duplessie, Claire de Lune, International Dance Festival, Club Bayou Brothers, Patricks II, 9pm. 619/282-0437 for info. Pacific Beach, 9pm. 8pm. Room, Balboa Park, noon-5pm. Call Open Poetry Reading, Twiggs, 8pm. 858/694-0424 for info. sunday • 9 Joe Rathburn, Dark-Thirty tuesday • 18 sunday • 23 Productions, Lakeside, 7:30pm. Call Deborah Liv Johnson/Peter every tuesday Shawn Colvin, East County Center Amnesty International Concert w/ 619/443-9622 for info. Sprague, Christ Lutheran Church, for the Performing Arts, El Cajon, Tim Flannery, Berkley Hart & Comedy Experiment, Lestats, 9pm. 4761 Cass St., Pacific Beach. Call Jason and Jane, Twiggs, 8:30pm. 7:30pm. Others, The Ould Sod, all day. Call Zydeco Tuesdays, Tio Leos, 5302 858/483-2300 for info. 619/284-6594 for info. Napa St., 6:30pm. Sue Palmer/Motel Swing Orchestra, monday • 3 The Flame, 7pm. wednesday • 19 tuesday • 25 every wednesday Berkley Hart/American Folk Sue Palmer Trio, Bayou Bar & Grill, Boogie Woogie Extravaganza w/ Singers/Alice Peacock, The Scene, 6-8pm. Open Mic Night, Twiggs. wednesday • 12 Sue Palmer & Lisa Otey, Dizzy’s, Sign-ups at 6:30pm. Clairemont. Call for info. 7:30pm. Sue Palmer Trio, Bayou Bar & Grill, Hatchet Brothers, The Ould Sod, 6-8pm. thursday • 20 9pm. tuesday • 4 Sue Palmer & Friends, Calypso thursday • 27 Bayou Brothers, Sassafras Bar & Restaurant, Leucadia, 7:30pm. Grill, 3667 India St., 6-9pm. North County Bluegrass & Folk Club thursday • 13 Sue Palmer & Friends, Calypso w/ Andy Rau Band, Round Table Bayou Brothers, Patricks II, 9pm. Restaurant, Leucadia, 7:30pm. Pizza, 1161 E. Washington, Dwight Yoakam, 4th & B. Call for Escondido, 7pm. Call 760/724-1785 info. Mike Marshall/Chris Thile, La every thursday Paloma Theater, Encinitas, 7pm. Call for info. Troubadour Showcase w/ Robin friday• 21 Will Edwards’ Music Show w/ the 760/436-5774 for more info. Bartender’s Bible/BR549, Casbah, Henkel, Steve White, 7th Day Eve Selis, Cannibal Bar, Catamaran Bitty Bums/Tom Bowles, Twiggs, 8:30pm. 8:30pm. Buskers, Kitchenfire, Fowl Play, Hotel. Call for info. Dizzy’s, 7:30pm. friday • 28 Roots/Rockabilly/Country Night w/ The Enchanted, Lestats, 9pm. Chris Stuart and Backcountry, Gus Williker, In Cahoots, Mission Eve Selis, Humphrey’s Backstage Borders Books & Music, Mission Hot Club of San Diego, blues, Valley. Call 619/291-8635 for info. Lounge, 9:30pm. Valley. Call for info. Pannikin-Del Mar, 8pm. wednesday • 5 Hot Rod Lincoln, Tio Leos, 5302 Calima Trio, jazz, Pannikin-Del Mar, Chrystal Yoakum, Twiggs, 8:30pm. Napa St., Call for info. Auditions for two acoustic multi- friday • 14 8pm. instrumentalists for San Diego Repertory Theater’s production of The Lettermen, Copley Symphony Fire on the Mountain opening in Hall. Call for info. May. Thru Feb. 9. Call (619) 231-3586, NOTE: Times and dates are subject to change. Please check with venues for information. #650 for info. Blind Boys of Alabama, Mandeville Auditorium, UCSD, 7:30pm. Sue Palmer Trio, Bayou Bar & Grill, 6-8pm. thursday • 6 Music Mart Showcase, 122 So. Solana Hills Drive, Solana Beach, 7:30pm. Call 858/354-6978 for info. friday • 7 Ron Spears and Within Tradition/ Down the Road, Poway Auditorium, Poway Park. Call 858/679-4854 for info. Eve Selis, Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge, 6-8pm. Robin Henkel, Coyote Bar & Grill,

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14 San Diego Troubadour • February 2003

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